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A former DUP adviser was found guilty of voyeurism yesterday after hiding a camera in an MP’s office.

David McConaghie was convicted at Craigavon Magistrates Court over the incident in which he set up the spycam in potpourri.

The 50-year-old had denied the offence which occurred in the toilet at Upper Bann MP David Simpson’s office in Portadown, Co Armagh.

Sentencing in the case was adjourned until September 30 so that a pre-sentence report could be obtained.

Depending on the sentence McConaghie, from Cottage Hill, Dollingstown, may have to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register.

His defence team had argued that the prosecution had not proved that the offence had been for the purpose of sexual gratification.

However District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, in his ruling at Wednesday’s court said there was a case to answer.

David Simpson, (left) , DUP's Upper Bann MP, canvassing with David McConaghie in Banbridge during an earlier election campaign. Mr McConagie was found guilty today at Craigavon on a charge of voyeurism. (Photo: Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk)

McConaghie exercised his right not to give evidence and later in the court the judge heard submissions from the prosecution and defence.

A prosecution lawyer said the accounts of the two main witnesses were very clear that the defendant had introduced the potpourri in which the camera was hidden.

He added that video footage shown in court showed McConaghie on his knees handling the device and after flushing the toilet returning to the potpourri for “a final tweak”.

Just over an hour later a private act was recorded on the camera, he said.

The prosecutor said McConaghie had not given any evidence or an answer which would stand up to any scrutiny or cross examination.

He said there was overwhelming evidence against the defendant and the court should find him guilty.

A defence lawyer said there had been no evidence laid there was any sexual gratification and the prosecution had not produced any proof that there was “some sort of fetish”.

There was nothing from the defendant’s computer or phones to corroborate sexual gratification, he added.

Judge Bates said that on what had been viewed in chambers and in open court to “any right thinking person in my view” there could be no other justification beyond sexual gratification.

He said he was satisfied beyond reasonable act McConaghie was guilty of the offence and it was deliberate attempt to see someone carry out a public act.

McConaghie was charged that on a date unknown between August 22, 2012, and September 13, 2012, for the purpose of sexual gratification, he recorded another person doing a private act knowing that person did not consent to being recorded.

He denied the offence and two injured parties gave evidence of McConaghie bringing potpourri into the office and placing the pot in the toilet.

Later when they were changing the potpourri the hidden camera was discovered.

They brought it to the attention of Upper Bann Mp David Simpson who contacted the police.